10 DIY Hamster Bin Cages You Can Build Today (With Pictures)

Hamsters are great pets, in no small part because of how affordable they are to own. However, they can still cost you a pretty penny up front, especially if you have to buy all the gear at once.

Luckily, there are a few ways in which you can save some money, and perhaps the best way to stretch your hamster budget is by creating your own bin cage. These are often made from basic plastic storage bins, but as you’ll soon discover, you can class them up a bit more as well, provided you’re willing to put in the work.

We’ve collected some of our favorite designs for you to check out, and you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for both you and your furry friend from the options below. Figuring out how to build a hamster bin cage is simpler than ever with these foolproof plans!

Before we begin, though, it’s important to remind you that you absolutely have to include holes of some kind in your bin (that’s what the mesh is for). Otherwise, your hamster could suffocate, and that’s clearly not a good thing.

1. Wood Cage from HamsterHideout.com

This classy cage from HamsterHideout.com gives you a clear view of your hamster at all times, so you can always have a steady stream of entertainment close by.

It’s very large, but that just gives your pet more room to wander. And, given how beautiful this thing looks, it can function as a decoration just as much as a pet sanctuary.

2. DIY Bin Cage from HamsterGuru.com

Courtesy of HamsterGuru.com, we have this inexpensive and easy-to-build plastic cage that gives your little rodent plenty of room to play.

All you need is a large plastic bin (you probably have several lying around the house right now, as a matter of fact), a few other odds and ends, and a little bit of time to build your hamster his dream home.

3. Hamster Cage from nolieclaire

Youtube hamster guru nolieclaire suggests this clever and colorful option. It uses a lid with locking handles, which makes securing the top easier to do and doesn’t require drilling.

However, it does require you to be extra-sure that you closed it securely every time.

4. Stackable Cage by HamsterHideout.com

You can accommodate multiple pets with this stackable model, or if you’re really determined, you could give your hamster a giant, multi-level mansion to live in.

The basic design is the same as just about any other bin cage, except you’re stacking them vertically and putting the mesh door on the side instead of the roof.

5. Interconnected Bins by HammyHappenings

This extremely fun, multi-level enclosure is the creation of HammyHappenings, a hamster enthusiast on WordPress. The general structure is still basic and easy to build, but there’s a lot more decoration involved with this one, making it a colorful addition to any room of your home.

We’re especially big fans of the tubes connecting the two levels — and we bet your hamster will be, too. Find out how to build a hamster bin cage with many levels today!

6. DIY Three-Story House by consumerqueen

This triple-story model from consumerqueen gives your pet plenty of room to explore, as well as providing you with the ability to give every level a specific purpose.

One floor can be dedicated to his bedding, while another is his exercise room, and the final one can be his dining room. We bet we know which room he’ll spend the most time in.

7. Double Decker Cage by Hammy Time

From Hammy Time, we have this attractive two-story model that gives your hamster plenty of places to peek out — and plenty of opportunities for you to grab him when it’s snuggle time.

This design gives your furry friend lots of room to stretch out without also taking up a ton of space in your house.

8. Bin Cage by morganel

This bin (courtesy of user morganel on hamsterhideout.com) manages to be both simple and elaborate at the same time.

It’s made using only a single bin, but you can dress it up with multiple mesh portholes to make it both attractive and interesting to your hamster (not to mention guests).

9. Extended Bin by Dog Paw Blog

This extra-long model from Dog Paw Blog will give your hamster all the room in the world to run around (or at least, it will seem that way to him).

This is a massive bin to be sure, but if you’re willing to let your pet have all the space he wants, it’s a fantastic option. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make.

10. Leopard Print by Lindsey Parker

This exotic cage, courtesy of Pinterest user Lindsey Parker, is incredibly basic and easy to build, but you’d never guess it from the fierce design.

It’s amazing how a little leopard print can really dress up the place, huh?

Building the Perfect Bin for Your Hamster

As you can see, most of the above bins follow the same basic formula. Take a bin (or build your own, if you want something other than plastic), cut some holes in it so you can fit the mesh inside, and decorate to your liking.

While the formula may be basic, it allows for nearly infinite customization. You can stack as many as your ceilings will allow, connect them with tubing, and decorate them to your heart’s desire.

Best of all, even the most elaborate bin won’t cost more than a few bucks. So, if you haven’t already made one for your hamster, what are you waiting for?

Featured Image: Zdeněk Chalupský from Pixabay

Nicole Cosgrove

Nicole is the proud mom of Baby, a Burmese cat and Rosa, a New Zealand Huntaway. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes (and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship) and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts’ knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.